Ferric carboxymaltose injection in the treatment of postpartum iron deficiency anemia: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose, compared with oral ferrous sulfate in women with postpartum anemia.


METHODS
In a multicenter, randomized, controlled study, 291 women less than 10 days after delivery with hemoglobin 10 g/dL or less were randomized to receive ferric carboxymaltose (n = 143) 1000 mg or less intravenously over 15 minutes or less, repeated weekly to a calculated replacement dose (maximum 2500 mg) or ferrous sulfate (n = 148) 325 mg orally thrice daily for 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Ferric carboxymaltose-treated subjects were significantly more likely to: (1) achieve a hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dL in a shorter time period with a sustained hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dL at day 42, (2) achieve hemoglobin rise 3 g/dL or greater more quickly, and (3) attain higher serum transferrin saturation and ferritin levels. Drug-related adverse events occurred less frequently with ferric carboxymaltose.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose was safe and well tolerated with an efficacy superior to oral ferrous sulfate in the treatment of postpartum iron deficiency anemia.
Seid
Melvin H
MH
Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, USA. mseid@lyndhurstgyn.com
Derman
Richard J
RJ
Baker
Jeffrey B
JB
Banach
Warren
W
Goldberg
Cynthia
C
Rogers
Ralph
R
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008320:Maltose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D006397:Hematinics; C020748:ferrous sulfate; C522335:ferric carboxymaltose; D008320:Maltose